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MLB trade rumors: 5 destinations for Mike Trout

By Joshua Sadlock

Apr 17, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) during the game against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 17, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) during the game against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 21, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Chicago Cubs left fielder Kyle Schwarber hits a single during the 11th inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. The Cubs won 6-5. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Chicago Cubs left fielder Kyle Schwarber hits a single during the 11th inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. The Cubs won 6-5. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Chicago Cubs

The Cubs have the most flexibility when it comes to pulling off a trade for Mike Trout. Theo Epstein has been so skilled at building a farm system and developing prospects into big leaguers that the Cubs have a backlog at several positions around the diamond. If Trout does land on the trade block, the Cubs should be first in line to make an offer.

Epstein has not been shy about professing his love for slugger Kyle Schwarber. The catcher-turned-outfielder is destined to become a DH in the American League. That’s not a knock on him — he’s just a total liability wherever you put him in the field. Schwarber is battling through a tough start to the 2017 season, but he is a 40-homer threat and will eventually put it together thanks to his disciplined approach at the plate.

In addition to Schwarber, the Cubs have potential backlogs in the outfield and at second base. Ian Happ has more offensive upside than Javy Baez, which is what an AL team like the Angels should be looking for at second base. He won’t make all of the highlight reel plays like Baez, but won’t embarrass himself in the field. Jeimer Candelario is blocked at first base by Anthony Rizzo, but has been an impressive hitter in the minor leagues. Throw in an impact reliever like Carl Edwards, and a top pitching prospect in Dylan Cease, and the Cubs may have the makings of a deal for baseball’s best player.

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No one in baseball is better at building a farm system and then utilizing his prospects in the big leagues or trading them at the right moment than Theo Epstein. If the opportunity presents itself, he would not hesitate to bring Mike Trout to Chicago. The flexibility is there, the pieces are there, and the desire to continue adding to the 2016 World Series title is there.

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